Bulgaria approves draft memorandum to join European Air Shield Initiative.

The Bulgarian government recently approved a draft memorandum for the collective purchase of ground-based air defense systems, thereby integrating Bulgaria into the 'European Air Shield' initiative. This positions Bulgaria as the 12th European country to join this initiative.
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Arrow 3 and Patriot Missile Systems are presumed to be acquired by Bulgaria. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Once acquired, these ground-based air defense systems will be integrated into NATO's Integrated Air and Missile Defense System, contributing to a unified missile and air defense system across Europe. Other nations participating in this memorandum include Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, and Slovenia.

The initiative aims to acquire modern Western air defense systems, such as the Arrow 3 and Patriot systems. The Bulgarian government's endorsement of this memorandum allows the country to participate in the joint acquisition, maintenance, and operation of these systems.

The Arrow 3 system is an exo-atmospheric ballistic missile interceptor, jointly developed by Israel and the United States. Designed to intercept threats outside the Earth's atmosphere, Arrow 3 is notable for its ability to neutralize ballistic missiles, particularly those carrying nuclear, chemical, or biological warheads. The system utilizes sophisticated radar and satellite guidance to track and engage targets with increased precision. Arrow 3 can also destroy low-orbit satellites, making it exceptionally versatile in missile defense. Its high operational range and altitude enable it to address threats well before they approach, providing a crucial strategic defense shield for nations implementing it.

The Patriot missile system, officially known as MIM-104 Patriot, is a long-range air defense system developed by the United States. It is designed to detect, track, and engage ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and hostile aircraft. The Patriot is known for its ability to operate in a wide range of conditions and its battlefield flexibility. It uses advanced radar for target surveillance and tracking and can launch various types of interceptor missiles depending on the threat. The Patriot system has been deployed in numerous conflicts, demonstrating its ability to protect civilian and military areas from various aerial threats. Its constant evolution through multiple updates has maintained its relevance and effectiveness in modern air warfare.

Bulgaria currently possesses outdated Soviet C-300 anti-aircraft missile systems, which are not compatible with NATO standards. The country declined to provide these systems to Ukraine at the start of the conflict and currently lacks a modern alternative.

A year ago, Bulgaria's then-caretaker Defense Minister, Dimitar Stoyanov, signed a Letter of Intent to include Bulgaria in Germany’s European Air Shield Initiative (ESSI). This followed German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's announcement of substantial investment in air defense systems in the coming years.

Bulgaria is considering the development of an air defense system similar to Israel's Iron Dome, designed to protect against rocket attacks. Stoyanov emphasized the compatibility of this initiative with the EU's goal of conducting joint public procurement.